Feb 3, 2011 is the day that
current Verizon wireless customers can order their I Phone.
To hear some of the techies describe this occasion you would
think it is the greatest thing to happen since Marconi discovered radio
waves. But to the average person is this a big deal?

Well it just depends. Here is some basic information

You
might remember these Verizon Map ads from a year or so ago.
Verizon rightly proclaimed they have the largest 3g data
network and ATT responded with a lawsuit that they quickly and quietly
dropped. ATT's new ads now proclaim that their network is faster. In
the blue areas that is true. ATT is billing their current net
as 4g but really it is an enhanced 3g. The current Iphone
does not work on any of the true 4g networks that are rolling out. So
if you want truly fast Internet on your phone then look at the Sprint
Evo or the soon to be released HTC Thunderbolt or Droid Bionic from
VZW.

If you are concerned about call quality and dropped calls then the VZW
network is generally regarded as a better network than ATT.
However, if you are a current ATT customer and happy with
your call quality then it shouldn't matter. Many ATT
customers are not happy with the call quality and want to actually be
able to talk in their phone.

Both phones are the same Iphone 4th generation. The 4g does
not refer to 4g network speeds. There are some minor
differences. The facetime video chat feature on the VZW phone
will only work if you also have a wifi connection. Likewise
if you want to talk and surf at the same time. I don't think
that is a very big deal but to some it might make a difference.
The VZW Iphone does have one feature that the ATT device does
not. That is mobile hotspot. You can use your phone
to broadcast a wifi signal and connect your other wifi devices like
ipod, laptop, etc to the Internet using you phone as a modem. I don't
know the cost for this but on other VZW devices it's about $20 per
month and that will get you 2gb of data.

Speaking of amounts of Data .... the ATT data plans are limited and you
will incur extra charges if you go over the allowance. The
$25 plan gives you 2 gb of usage which is a pretty good chunk but if
you are a real heavy user that's not enough. The current data
plan for $29.99 on VZW is unlimited!!!! Depending
on your usage habits this might be a really big deal. Take
note that VZW says the $29.99 is a promotional offer. If you get in now
you'll be able to keep it. I think it does send a strong
signal that there will be a change in their data plans though.
Sprint charges and an extra $10 if you have the Evo.
ATT has the limits already discussed. T-mobile
degrades your service if you go past the limit. Look for VZW
to make some sort of change to the data plans in the future.
However, like I said, you'll be "grandfathered" in on the
unlimited plan if you already have it.

My opinion: If you are a current ATT Iphone user and happy with the
service don't even consider changing. If you are a current VZW customer
and have been dying to worship at the alter of Apple then jump on it.
If you want a super cool, super fast phone, then other phones
that are already on the market or the very near horizon will blow the
current generation of Iphone out of the water. The Samsung
Galaxy S phones are on all 4 major networks, the current Droid2 and
upcoming Thunderbolt and Bionic on VZW are dual core processing Android
powered rocket ships running on a true 4g LTE network where available,
and the Motorola Atrix on ATT was the top reviewed cell phone from this
years consumer electronic show.

Current Verizon Wireless customers can order on Feb 3 for delivery by
Feb 10. If you want to switch to Verizon and order the Iphone
you'll need to wait until Feb 10.

My area has very spotty coverage and Verizon is the only one that rarely drops calls. I have a droid and I've been very pleased with it. Verizon also has a device called the "extender". It plugs into your router and becomes your own cell tower. You immediately go to maximum bars and you'll never drop a call in your home or office area again. I don't know if this is available with other service providers.